The quarterly meetings feature staff reports about current or upcoming projects. Residents also are encouraged to ask general questions of the Fort Smith Board of Directors about policy-related topics. The third and final session offers residents an opportunity to visit in smaller groups with Mayor Sandy Sanders and the Board of Directors.

“I hope they ask us a lot of questions,” Ward 4 Director George Catsavis said. “I want people to speak up, speak their minds on what their concerns are.”

Monday’s meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Fort Smith Public Library’s Dallas branch, 8100 Dallas St., will be tailored to Ward 4, although all Fort Smith residents are encouraged to attend. A Ward 4 meeting in September 2012 saw an estimated 70 to 80 residents attend.

“I hope we have a big turnout,” Catsavis said. “A lot of people right now are worried about the economy and jobs. Everybody’s just kind of struggling.”

According to the city, ward meetings were launched in 2012 with the intent of encouraging interactive dialogue with residents in neighborhoods where they live. Monday’s meeting will feature staff reports about current or upcoming projects impacting Ward 4 residents.

A Ward 3 community meeting in July attracted about 60 residents.

“I think it’s become a really good tool for the board and for staff,” Ward 3 Director Mike Lorenz said at the time.